Bulls rumors: NBA exec weighs in on potential Nikola Vucevic trade package

Nikola Vucevic has long been one of the NBA's most reliable big-man scorers.

The 34-year-old has only dipped below 15 points per game for a season once since his third year in the league (2013-14). He averaged 20.8, 19.6 and 23.4 points, respectively, from 2019 to 2021.

He was an Eastern Conference All-Star in the first and last of that trio of seasons, including 2021, when the Chicago Bulls acquired him from the Orlando Magic.

Vucevic is a walking double-double, as evidenced by his career averages of 17.1 points and 10.5 rebounds.

This year, however, has been the 14-year veteran's best offensive season, at least to this point. His name has been churning in the rumor mill as the Bulls look to continue the early stages of their rebuild, but could Vucevic's high level of production make him more valuable across the league and, in turn, bring a more significant trade package back to Chicago?

Nikola Vucevic's trade value projected by NBA exec, per reports

Through 10 games, Chicago's center is still his double-double-machine self, averaging 20.9 points and 10.3 rebounds. He's sixth in the NBA in scoring among all centers, but he's still a massive liability on defense.

The difference in 2024-25 is Vucevic's efficiency: His field goal percentage of 58.5 is second among centers who average at least 10 attempts per game; his 47.7 percent 3-point shooting ranks fourth; and his 88.0 percent free-throw percentage is sixth.

Simply put, Vucevic is one of the best and most efficient scoring big men in the NBA, more so this season than at any other point in his career.

Still, per Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Bulls shouldn't expect to receive much in return if they deal their starting center.

"I asked a general manager this week what you would trade for Nikola Vucevic, and he said, 'a couple of (second-round picks).' ... I think there might actually be more of an opportunity for a Vucevic trade, at this juncture, (than LaVine). ... Just keep an eye on Nikola Vucevic if he continues to shoot from distance."

- Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer

Considering his in-demand archetype as a stretch five, proven ability as an interior scorer and rebounder and his durability - he's only played fewer than 70 games once since 2018-19 - the Bulls could arguably demand more for Vucevic.

However, he's also 34 and doesn't provide any rim protection at all. He would likely be a role player on a contending team, not a starter, which points to a pair of second-rounders, or at best a heavily protected first, being fair value.